A simpler TV time

I don't really watch many current TV shows. I've never gotten into any of them to the point that I know what night anything is on. I don't turn the TV on at all if I'm home during the day - minus some cartoons for the kids. I don't turn it on for myself until nighttime, when I watch reruns of Friends, Seinfeld, Frasier, The Golden Girls, and Cheers. I loved these shows when they were first on, and I love them now. I wish networks would come out with more sitcoms like these, and fewer reality shows, which seems to be the norm.

I feel calm and secure when I watch the TV shows of the past. It feels as if it were such a simpler time then...there is no pervasive appearance of technology; characters still used phone booths, and no one was texting or using text lingo.

People still had problems, but they seemed more authentic, more organic. I feel that the storylines on TV shows today sometimes try too hard that they can be more confusing than entertaining. No matter how many times I watch the same Seinfeld episode, I am always entertained. The whole premise of the show was one of such ease. It was hilarious without trying too hard.

I was pretty young when The Golden Girls and Cheers were originally on. I watch these along with Frasier at night before I fall asleep. The Golden Girls is so racy, which is one thing I wasn't aware of growing up when original episodes aired. Every episode makes me laugh throughout. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Cheers, from the theme song to the characters. It's fun to watch all the older shows and recognize the guest stars, younger, unknown versions of their now more famous selves.

When I watch the sitcoms that were on when I was growing up, I also remember how old I was and what I was doing at the time...still playing with toys for a while when The Golden Girls was first on, going to track practice in junior high and coming home to watch Seinfeld, going to choir practice in high school and talking about the latest Friends episode. Watching these shows not only makes me nostalgic for a simpler time in television history, but for a simpler time in my life, too. I was rooting for Ross and Rachel while I did my homework. Laughing at Rose and Sophia when I spent the night at my grandma and grandpa's. Being amused by Frasier and Lilith. I grew up with these shows and characters and they grew up with me.

I'm sure there are some good, new shows out there right now that I'm missing out on...I do keep meaning to check some of them out, but I keep going back to my standbys that make me smile and reminisce about the good ol' days.

Do you have any longtime favorite shows that you still watch? What is it that you like about them that current television doesn't seem to provide? If you don't watch any reruns, it might be time to resurrect some programs from your past so you can laugh all over again and remember when.

I wonder what shenanigans the Golden Girls and Dr. Crane will get themselves into tonight.